Bird Sightings

Seen an interesting bird? Then let us know by submitting a record on our on-line database. It is easy to do but if you need some instructions take a look at the Submit Sightings Page. To view the latest sightings just click on the menu item for Latest Sightings.

Some birds are not uncommon in other parts of the country or around our coasts, but may be in Buckinghamshire. If you want to see just how scarce a particular species is then take a look at the Bucks List.

A surprise find in the county, especially in May. There are 10 or so prior records in the county.

Tim found this bird, still in winter plumage and managed to get the word out so that others could also see it and confirm ID. Tim did well to get these photos at long range.

Taplow Gravel Pit – 27th November – 1st January 2003 (at least)

26th Dec 2002 – Rob Andrews

23rd Dec 2002 – Jim Rose

3rd Dec 2002 – Jerry O’Brian

This is a scarce species in the county with only 11 prior records. This individual was present at the site from 27th November to 23rd December at least . While often seen in the centre of the lake, the bird would also dive within a few feet of the bank and make it’s way around the lake. The bird was apparently not concerned when sailing activities took place on the lake.

Little Marlow Gravel Pit – 27th
November 2005

Photos copyright Adrian Parker

This adult was discovered by
Chris Bullock and Alan Stevens at about 8:50am. Word was quickly put out and a
number of local birders managed to see the bird before it flew off into Berkshire at
11:45am. The bird was actively swimming around the lake and was seen to catch a
sizeable fish. This was the first Red-throated Diver at this site since the
individual pictured below.

The above photographs were
taken a some distance and in poor light. Flight shots of Divers taken at inland
counties must be very scarce, so these photographs may be almost unique.

This individual was
photographed late evening over Maidenhead, Berkshire just before it drifted into
Bucks.Â It had been seen in the Maidenhead area since 15th April but it is presumably
the same bird that was seen briefly at Little Marlow Gravel pit on 16th and at Berghers
Hill a week earlier still (all within a few miles).Â This was part of an influx of
this species into the country with birds also seen at Hampstead Heath, Devon, Cheshire,
Kent and elsewhere.Â This species had not previously been recorded in the county.